June 22

Birth Flower

Amaryllis
Belladonna lily Jersey lily

Scientific Name: Hippeastrum hybridum
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Flower Language

  • Pride
  • Radiant beauty
  • Shyness
  • Vanity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Amaryllis is a bulbous plant native to South America that blooms with large flowers from spring to early summer. The name comes from Amaryllis, a beautiful shepherdess in ancient Greek and Roman poetry. The flowers are large, 10-20cm in diameter, and come in various colors including red, white, pink, and orange. The bulbs should be planted shallow and are typically grown in pots as they are sensitive to cold.

Trivia

  • Napoleon's empress Josephine encouraged breeding at Malmaison Palace
  • Usually takes 2-3 years from bulb to flower
  • One bulb can bloom for multiple years
  • Flower direction can be controlled by changing the orientation

Uses

Ornamental
  • Popular as cut flowers
  • Indoor pot plant decoration
  • Spring garden color
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used medicinally but not recommended currently

Caution: Avoid medicinal use due to toxicity

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Flower arrangements
  • Dried flowers

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Bulb, Flowers, Leaves

Symptoms: May cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and liver damage

Golden Chain
Laburnum Common Laburnum

Scientific Name: Laburnum anagyroides
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • Fleeting beauty
  • Mutual love
  • Melancholic beauty

Characteristics

Colors: Yellow

Description

Golden Chain is a small deciduous tree that produces drooping racemes of butterfly-shaped yellow flowers in early summer. The flower clusters can reach 20-30cm in length, hanging beautifully like golden chains. Native to central and southern Europe, the English name 'Golden Chain' derives from this beautiful floral display. It grows 4-7m tall and is popular as an ornamental garden tree.

Trivia

  • Flower racemes can reach up to 50cm in length
  • Important nectar source for honey-making bees
  • Wood is also used for musical instrument making
  • Kew Gardens has specimens over 200 years old

Uses

Ornamental
  • Popular as garden tree
  • Training over arches and pergolas
  • Landscape tree in parks
Medicinal

Caution: Medicinal use strictly prohibited due to toxicity

Culinary

All parts toxic and inedible

Other
  • Wood used for decorative purposes
  • Seeds used in crafts (with caution)

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Flowers, Leaves, Bark

Symptoms: Severe toxic symptoms including convulsions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Seeds are particularly toxic.